In this timely dharma talk in our final days of Spring Sesshin, Sensei Kathie Fischer shares teachings from three wise women who offer a powerful dharmic lesson when faced with marginalization and disrespect. Each encounters monks who are likely blinded by a sense of superior rank and gender, leaving them unable to meet these women as equals—let alone see them for the teachers and adepts they were. Each woman responds with the confidence that their teaching speaks for itself, through the force of their own being, affirming: “I am here.”  Finally, each teaches on the spot with whatever the moment offers, without judgment or separation, meeting their students right where they are.

In that same spirit, Sensei Kathie encourages us to do the same—especially in these final days of intensive Spring practice—to stay right here, to minimize “fussing and fidgeting,” to take greater care with the inanimate objects and simple gestures of our lives, and to continually reaffirm to ourselves: “I am here.” 

“These ways of practicing through work and other daily activities will support our vow to be present and committed in our lives, not to sleepwalk through our day, to connect with the world around us, person by person, object by object, task by task, with tenderness and consideration.” ~ Sensei Kathie Fischer